Art Ed Radio

What is the art challenge initiative? It's a great way to get your kids working on their skills dealing with problem-solving, creativity, and higher-order thinking. Today's guest, Elise Weiler-Korb, is a high school teacher that uses a plethora of challenges to help develop those skills as part of her kids' artmaking process. She and Tim discuss the different forms challenges can take (6:00), why developing confidence is vital (10:00), and her best advice on how and where teachers should begin utilizing challenges (13:30).   Resources and Links: If you want to contact Elise to discuss the art challenge initiative, her email address is [email protected] The color mixing challenge that Elise mentioned can be found here: Part One: https://www.theartofed.com/2016/12/21/using-color-theory-deconstruct-race-part-one/ Part Two: https://www.theartofed.com/2016/12/22/using-color-theory-deconstruct-race-part-two/ This is a great article from AOE writer Wynita Harmon on how she uses art challenges: https://www.

Tim absolutely loves sketchbooks, but unfortunately, Andrew doesn't share his passion. Instead, Tim brings on Andrea Slusarski to explore how to make sketchbooks a consistent part of your students' artmaking process. Listen as they discuss the types of sketchbooks that are best for your classroom (6:30), why we make modeling artistic habits a priority (13:45), and Andrea's best advice to prioritize sketchbooks in your classroom (17:15).    Resources and Links: A Surefire Way to Get Your Students Excited About Sketchbooks A great video where Tim shows his sketchbook grading process  100 Sketchbook Prompts Your Students Will Love Andrea's previous appearances on the podcast: How to Teach Color Theory and Keep Students Engaged (Ep. 005) Do Art Teachers Have to Be Artists? (Ep. 017)

It seems like every kid loves music in some way or another, and the guys are talking today about how that love can bring inspiration and influence into your classroom. Whether you use songs or videos in your lessons, or just add some music in the background during class, it can be a powerful tool. Join Andrew and Tim as the discuss deciding on the environment they want to establish in their classroom (5:15), why music seems to only be found in the art room (9:00), and how concepts from the music world translate into student art making (15:30).   Resources and Links: Matt Christenson's article about the music list 24 Songs to Influence the Mood in Your Classroom Tim's Ultimate Guide to OK Go Music Videos A great art history-inspired video from Hold Your Horses, a band that Andrew mentioned  

Andrew and Tim get together to talk about the reasons that teachers aren't coming into the profession with everything they need to know. Is it because there is too much involved in the life of an art teacher? Or is the teaching profession just that difficult? Join the guys as they talk about why undergrad coursework can't possibly cover everything (7:15), the essential education courses that new teachers need (15:45), and what we can do in the real world for teachers that are lacking in the knowledge they need (21:00).   Resources and Links: Here is the sculpture podcast that Tim mentioned Important advice for entering a new teaching position What do student teachers really need? What undergrad Art Ed programs forget to teach you

It's theme week at the Art of Ed, and this month's theme is all about substitute teachers. The Radio Guys want to join in the action because they have a lot to say about subs as well. Listen as they talk about suffering through sickness to avoid calling in a sub (5:00), taking a proactive approach with your students when you know you will be gone (11:15), and their top 3 tips for a successful substitute experience in your classroom (19:45). Resources and Links: Check out this podcast with Kelly Parvin on planning for a long-term sub An old (but still good) article for putting together a sub folder A good video on how to flip your sub plans Tim's new article he talked about

A while back, the guys talked about those lessons that just aren't working anymore--the lessons we might just want to move on from. So how do we decide what we should teach? How do we decide what should be part of our curriculum? Join the guys as they try an optimistic approach to this discussion, covering creative thinking vs. technical skill (4:30), your essential projects (11:45), and finding the right variety of experiences for your kids (15:00).   Resources and Links: The podcast that inspired this episode How to foster authentic art experiences Here are 10 inspiring projects if you're looking for something new  

Melissa Purtee and Ian Sands, authors of The Open Art Room, join Tim to discuss their new book and choice based art education. They talk about the transition teachers make when moving toward choice-based education and how that compares with traditional pedagogy. Listen as they cover the story of writing The Open Art Room (4:15), whether you can put a framework toward choice-based teaching (10:00), and the idea of how much choice each teacher should offer (15:45). Resources and Links: You can order The Open Art Room here. Use the code OAR15 for 15% off the price (good through October 1st). Melissa mentioned Engaging Learners as a great text for elementary choice See all of Melissa’s AOE articles And Ian’s articles are here

One of the most difficult things to do as an artist is to find your voice and to find your style. Even more difficult is to help our students do the same. Tim invites Michael Bell on the show to discuss how we can build up our students and, in turn, build up our art programs. Listen for their discussion on balancing your art and your teaching, how to support and help develop your artists, and why visual journaling is so important to helping students find their voice. Resources and Links: Michael's book was published in June. It is called Dual Lives: From the Streets to the Studio Visit Michael's website And his TED talk can be found here  

As art teachers, we have the opportunity to let kids know that their opinions, their vision, and their aesthetics matter. Andrew brings on AOE writer Lindsey Moss to chat about the idea of "Kidaesthetics". Listen for their discussion on the difference between how kids and adults perceive art (6:00), how art teachers balance the aesthetic vision against the expectations of adults (9:30), and how we educate adults on what kids find aesthetically appealing (18:15). Resources and Links: You can see all of Lindsey's AOE articles here Andrew talked about Lindsey's PRO learning packs for PD. Here's her First Day Activities pack Make sure you check out Cassie Stephens' new podcast as well! Listen to Lindsey's previous appearance on Art Ed Radio  

What does the beginning of the school year look like in your classroom? What should it look like? Classroom management is key, but how we go about establishing it is different for everyone. The guys share what happens on the first day in their classrooms (3:45), Andrew talks about his two tenets for classroom management (10:00), and finishes the show by stumbling into a possibly brilliant idea for a new project to start the year (16:45). Resources and Links: Last year's back to school podcast with Janine Campbell 5 Ways to Make Art on the First Day of School Use Narrative Necklaces to Meet Your New Students Routines to Teach During the First Week (download)  

Tim interviews the one and only Cassie Stephens for this episode, and they discuss some the best ideas from transitioning from summer mode back into school. They cover where inspiration comes from, and how you can bring that inspiration into your teaching. Tim starts the episode with a big announcement about AOE's newest podcast (1:30), then Cassie shares information about her upcoming Art Ed Now Conference presentation (5:30), and the new lessons coming into her classroom this year (11:45). They then close the conversation with a rundown of the upcoming Everyday Art Room podcast, and why Cassie wanted to host the show (18:45). Full episode transcript below.   Resources and Links: Take a look at Cassie's blog and all of her incredible resources The Clay Lab for Kids book  An interview with Cassie, and a great lesson Check out all of Cassie's AOE videos  

If you've been on art teacher social media any time in the past week or so, you have probably seen this article (http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/art-craft/art-class-school/). Art teachers everywhere were offended by its assumptions, its ideas about the role of art teaching, and its conclusions about the future. In this special episode, Tim and Andrew offer their takes on the article (3:15), the role of art teachers and the arts (8:30), and the controversy found in the resulting social media firestorm (12:30). Resources and Links: The offending School Specialty Article If we're talking budgets, how about the old "Budget Like a Boss!" podcast? How to Make the Arts a Valued Part of Your Community A few more great resources for advocacy

About a month ago, the guys did their last deep dive into printmaking. This week, it's time for 40 minutes of sculpture talk. From materials to instructional strategies, and everything in between, it's all up for discussion today! Join the guys as they talk about the best projects for our youngest students (2:00), some issues that Andrew has come across (14:00), and safety issues when you're using unexpected materials (33:30). Resources and Links: Foolproof Methods for Teaching Beginning Sculpture Andrew's favorite Unexpected Materials Tim's ideas for inexpensive sculptures Stunning Projects with Recycled Materials  

It's one of the existential questions for art teachers: do you use teacher examples? On one hand, you help your kids stay on track for success with their work. On the other hand, you run the risk of stifling their creativity and ending up with a classroom of similar projects. What is an art teacher to do? Andrew brings Tim on the show to talk about the use of teacher examples, the demonstration conundrum, and why every teacher needs to reflect on this issue and come up with their own solution. Resources and Links: How to Make Your Own Art And Teaching Tools at the Same Time 3 Ways to Teach for Creativity in the Art Room Why It's Time to Move On From Projects 4 Statements Every Art Teacher Hates Hearing

We all know about the power of the arts, and in this episode, Andrew looks really closely at how we can use the arts to build culture and turn around schools. Sarah Dougherty, who is part of the Turnaround Arts Initiative with the Des Moines Public Schools, joins Andrew to talk about her experience with these exact topics. They discuss how to become more creative and intentional with collaboration (10:00), how small changes can make a big impact on your school's culture (12:45), and the need for patience when you are looking for change. (14:30). Resources and Links: Check out the TASK party that Sarah mentioned The Des Moines Public Schools Turnaround Arts Program See all of Sarah's AOE articles Andrew mentioned AOE's new Professional Development subscription service, Art Ed  PRO

If you are not already using contemporary artists in your classroom, you definitely want to consider some new artists and ideas to bring to your students. Contemporary artists can be engaging and valuable for your students, and Tim and Andrew have an incredible list of their favorite artists to teach. Tim also figures out how to work Drake's "Hotline Bling" video into the discussion (13:30), Andrew introduces Tim to the video artist Paul Pfeiffer (17:30), and Andrew closes the show with a great explanation of why you should be teaching contemporary artists (21:00).  Resources and Links: The "No More Dead White Guys!" episode The Top 10 Contemporary Artists to Teach Alongside Traditional Artists Great Resources for Finding Contemporary Artists:  http://www.pbs.org/art21/ http://www.thisiscolossal.com/ http://www.booooooom.com/ http://www.designboom.com/  

Ceramics? Check. Drawing? Check. Printmaking? That is this week's deep dive. Andrew and Tim have a long discussion about teaching printmaking--tips and tricks, tools, safety, organization, lessons, budget, it is all on the table. They talk about managing the mess and the best routines for printmaking (3:00), the most important safety concerns and how to keep your kids safe (9:15), and how we move beyond technical concerns to get our kids making meaningful work (18:45).   Resources and Links: 5 Ways to Stretch Your Printmaking Budget Secrets for Managing the Printmaking Mess Safety Tips for Printmaking Awesome Strategies for Reduction Prints

After a couple weeks away while Tim talked to important people (Sir Ken Robinson and AOE Founder Jessica Balsley), Andrew is back! The guys get together to talk about what they love and what they don't when it comes to art and art education. They share their thoughts on Pop Art and Impressionism (2:30), why Andrew has ditched his teacher desk (6:45), whether you should spend time in the teacher's lounge (13:00), and when it's worth it to make a phone call home (15:15).   Resources and Links: Here's another idea on how to deal with your teacher desk Coping with different methods of organization Making teachers your allies by letting them borrow supplies Andrew's article about calling home

AOE Founder Jessica Balsley joins Tim to talk about last week's interview with Sir Ken Robinson. They share some stories about what it was like behind the scenes of the interview and what it was like working with Sir Ken. They also discuss the importance of art teachers (8:45), how Sir Ken's books helped influence Jessica to start the Art of Ed (11:15), and how teachers can stay passionate and stay loving what they do (14:15). If you would like to hear even more from Sir Ken Robinson, he will present "The Importance of Art Teachers" on August 3rd at the 2017 Art Ed Now Summer Online Conference. Details can be found at artednow.com. Resources and Links: Listen to the full Sir Ken Robinson interview See more about Art Ed Now, where Sir Ken will be presenting on August 3rd Jessica mentioned reading "The Element" a long time ago; here is an old article she wrote that dives in deeper with those ideas If you are looking for a chance to rekindle your own passion and creativity, make sure you check out the Creativit

In this very special episode of Art Ed Radio, Tim is in Los Angeles to interview the one and only Sir Ken Robinson. Sir Ken is a world-renowned expert on creativity and innovation, and his TED Talk, "Do Schools Kill Creativity?", is the most viewed TED Talk of all time. In this wide-ranging, nearly hour-long interview, he and Tim cover a plethora of topics. Listen as they discuss the evolution of Sir Ken's career and his move to the United States (11:00), testing culture around the world (15:30), the role of creativity in preparing students for the future (27:45), a possible way forward for our schools (37:00), and how teachers can affect change from their own classrooms (45:00). Resources and Links: Sir Ken Robinson's TED Talk Tim asks about Creative Schools, Sir Ken's latest book The official website of Sir Ken Robinson See more about Art Ed Now, where Sir Ken will be presenting on August 3rd